"Herbs, tobacco, cedar, iron, smoke and incense emerge from the glass in the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. A gorgeous, savory and totally expressive wine, the 2011 impresses for its balance and pedigree. This is without question one of the most beautiful wines of the year. The profile is decidedly European-influenced in its aromatics and structure, but the fruit is pure Napa Valley. There are only a handful of values left in first-class Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; this is one of them."

"I was deeply impressed with Round Pond last year, but this year's releases are even better. At their best, the wines exude tons of Rutherford character and personality. Thomas Rivers-Brown consults for Round Pond, although winemaking is done in house. Readers who aren't familiar with Round Pond will want to check out this emerging, family-run property. The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is easily one of the best values in Napa Valley." (11/13)

Product Description:

Wine:
"This estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon evolves in the glass with alluring aromas of black cherry, plum, and chocolate covered strawberries. Backed by hints of warm and toasty oak, vanilla, and walnut, this wine's palate is soft and inviting as the true complexity of the wine is revealed. It is medium bodied and well-structured, with balanced tannins and a touch of refreshing acidity. Flavors of mocha and chocolate covered cherries are apparent throughout the long and smooth finish. This wine may be enjoyed now but will age gracefully over time." - Winery

Winemaking/Vintage Notes:
"Individual lots from specific vineyard blocks were fermented and aged separately to allow the broadest range of flavors at blending. All lots received extended maceration with pumpovers and aged 19 months in 70% new, tight grain French oak. It is an amalgamation of multiple small lots from twenty hand-selected vineyard sites on the 357 acre vineyard property."

"Round Pond's estate vineyards are sustainably farmed using a combination of traditional old world methods and new world innovations. Like many vineyards here in the valley, late rains in May and June of 2011 caused considerable grape shatter on the Round Pond Estate vineyards, meaning not all cluster flowers developed into berries, or grapes. Techniques employed in the cool 2010 vintage worked well for us in 2011, too, including cluster & leaf thinning, and removal of lateral growth to provide the right balance of sun exposure and protection. The result is a truly spectacular wine with the weight, acidity, and fruit to meet or even surpass previous vintages." - Winery